State Assembly deliberates over medical marijuana

By
WBNG News

June 17, 2014Updated Jun 17, 2014 at 10:30 PM EST

Binghamton, NY (WBNG Binghamton) The New York State Assembly has just two days to legalize the use of medical marijuana during the 2014 legislative session. The Compassionate Care Act would permit those who suffer from 19 different ailments to legally use the substance.

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo is a co-sponsor of the bill, which has been amended four times. In the bill's present form, marijuana can be consumed as a vapor, extract or through infusion. However, the bill says marijuana can not be used through carbonated beverages or confection.

Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office tells Action News that even if the bill passed through both houses it needs adjusting before he signs it. The Democrat does not support the smoking of marijuana. The Governor says he is willing to work with legislatures until their final hour in session.

Lupardo said studies show smoking marijuana is a better way to regulate how much a patient takes in the drug compared to eating edibles or ingesting marijuana oils, which reacts to people differently and can be a powerful dose for some.

However, she says the assembly is working hard to get a compromise so Governor Cuomo will sign a bill, just to get the ball rolling.

Here is a list of the 19 illnesses that would grant sufferers access to the drug: